Distribution Select and Outside Music Distribution, two of Canada’s leading independent distributors, have announced that the two organizations will merge to enhance their impact in music distribution. Effective Dec. 1, 2018, Select and Outside will merge their sales and distribution services, while maintaining independent offices in Montreal and Toronto, respectively.

Outside Music will continue to be operated by Founder and President Lloyd Nishimura, while Select, lead by VP Christian Breton, will continue to head up the Montreal Select team and oversee the combined efforts of Outside and Select. Select also has satellite offices in Toronto and Vancouver.

Nishimura will also continue to operate the Outside Music Label and Management company, alongside label President Evan Newman.

"This coming year we celebrate 25 years of supporting great artists and amazing labels," says Nishimura of Outside Music. "We are happy to announce an alliance that will allow for continued support of our artist and label partners for years to come."

"I spent 14 years of my career working at Outside Music, and have immense respect for their commitment and their longevity," adds Breton at Distribution Select. "I know that, as a combined force, we can enhance our label support, and maintain great service to our retail partners. We can also offer new labels an excellent alternative in both the French and English markets, particularly those that remain dedicated to a physical sales presence."

Both Select and Outside have a significantly higher percentages of physical sales compared to the overall industry, despite the market volatility.

"This is an exciting time for independent music in Canada," says Anne Vivien, Executive VP of Music at Quebecor, which owns Distribution Select. "While we are a business in transition, we still have a viable physical business, as well as many growth opportunities in both the French and English markets. We look forward to building with Outside and their labels, and forging new relationships with labels that are looking for an exciting independent alternative."

In the new arrangement, Select Distribution will handle sales and accounting for both companies, while Outside Music will continue to control label product management for its portfolio of more than 100 imprints.

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